Mental Health Association in Morgan County

New updates coming out of the White House

https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/09/health/mental-health-parity-rule/index.html

Our Alzheimer’s support group meets TODAY (Thursday) at noon.

📍Location: Our office at 1944 Central Parkway Decatur
🧠 What: FREE to attend! We will be hearing from Dianne Pearson, Guest Speaker
🕛 When: 12:00 noon

September is National Su***de Prevention Month – a time to remember the lives lost to su***de, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and the many individuals, families and communities that have been impacted by su***de. It’s also a time to raise awareness about su***de prevention and share messages of hope.

https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/observances/su***de-prevention-month

We have a local hotline if you call our office at 256-353-1160
or the national hotline number you can call or text 988 (Su***de & Crisis Lifeline)

Bill J. Dukes 7@7 Run was a success! Thank you to all who participated. We had a great day!!

To view all photos visit our website: mhainmc.zenfolio.com and click "All My Photos", click thumbnail for 2024, and download for free courtesy of MHA. Thank you for your support of MHA!

Don’t forget! Tomorrow is the day!

FYI:

For our runners this weekend! Friday is packet pickup. You can pick up at Fleet Feet in Madison (Hughes Rd) on Friday from 1-4:00

OR at Jack Allen on Friday from 5-6! We will see you Friday August 23 and then Saturday August 24th for the Bill J. Dukes 7@7 Run!

Good reminders!

time is a great chance to talk with your kids about mental health and substance use and provide them information, support and guidance. Find resources to help here: samhsa.gov/families/parent-caregiver-resources

https://mhainmc.net/bill-j-dukes-77/

There’s still time to register for this Saturdays run! River City Runners

Bill J. Dukes 7@7 – Mental Health Association in Morgan County – MHA IN MEMORY OF "MR. MAYOR" February 26, 1927 - December 18, 2014 The Mental Health Association in Morgan County has the privilege of dedicating the 8th Annual Bill J. Dukes 7@7 Run to his memory. Bill Dukes supported our organization for many years serving on the board and participating in our program...

National Grief Awareness Day (Aug. 30)

Grief takes on many forms one of which is depression. We offer a Depression and Bipolar Support Group- 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 6:00 pm MHA Office (free of charge) come join us for our next one on August 20th

Coming up in a few weeks! Bill J. Dukes 7@7 Run register today!!

Mental Health Association in Morgan County – MHA – Support, Educate and Advocate for better mental health. SUPPORT WE SUPPORT through our Alzheimer’s family support group, services for victims of sexual assault, Friendship House & Operation Santa Claus for adults with serious mental illness, depression support group, and medication assistance. Learn More EDUCATE WE EDUCATE through our Caddell Alzheimer...

It is BACK TO SCHOOL season and we want to showcase this helpful “tool kit” to get you and your kids ready mentally.

https://www.mhanational.org/youth-tech

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Today is International Self-Care Day. How will you celebrate? Comment below on your "go to" for self-care

Remember, you are not alone.

Mental Health Advocates are here to help. Call us or come to one of our free events. We host a free depression group on 1st and the 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6pm. Free to join. 1944 Central Parkway Decatur

Have POSITIVE thoughts today! Not sure how to get there? We have resources and FREE help

A reminder about our meeting this Thursday! Special speaker Dianne Peirson will be joining us! FREE! At Noon @1944 Central Parkway Decatur

Remind yourself of this when days are hard!

Next Month Update! Our Alzheimer's meeting will meet July 11th instead of next week due to the July 4th holiday.

This meeting is FREE for caregivers and those affected with Alzheimer's. Please come and see how this group can help you and your family. We cannot get through this life alone

For the month of June and on June 27th (PTSD awareness day) we join in with the nation to shine a light on WHAT PTSD is and HOW we can help

Join Decatur Morgan Hospital this June by empowering men and boys to make healthier lifestyle choices. Awareness, prevention, education, and family engagement are key to a healthier future.

Health Tips:
• Check-ups: Regular visits to the doctor.
• Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet.
• Exercise: Stay active and keep moving.
• Mental Health: Take time for self-care.

Help us spread the word and support the men and boys in your life. 💙

Let’s learn a little more about Katie...
Although Katie is not new to MHA we do want to WELCOME her back in the new role as Executive Director. As we re-introduce her, let us learn a little bit more about Katie!

MHA is dedicated to supporting families through mental health issues, educating our community about mental health concerns, and advocating for mental health awareness. What about MHA drew you in to this role and why do you believe in the mission MHA upholds?
I previously came to MHA in December of 2018 as the Alzheimer’s Program Coordinator to help families like my own who had a loved one suffering from dementia and help them navigate the long road of such a terrible disease. I soon after started taking on more programs and rebranded the I’m Thumbody program that is taught in 2nd grade classrooms across the Morgan and Lawrence county communities. After 3.5 years in the Program Coordinator role, I moved the bookkeeper role in January of 2023. In March I felt the calling to go be a mom first and in April of 2023 I left MHA and stayed at home to be more present, but my passion and love of all things MHA never wavered. I continued to stay connected and was never more than a phone call away. In early 2024, I reached out to see ways that I could become more involved again and was presented with the opportunity to become the Interim Executive Director, and after many prayers it has evolved into the permanent Executive Director.

As executive director you wear many hats, what role in this position are you looking forward to most?
I am looking forward to growing our current programs and developing new ones that best suite the communities that most need them. I also want to get our resources out to more people in our community who most need them and don’t know what we resources are available.

When you aren't at work where can we find you?
When I am not at work, you will find me with my family. We usually will be at a softball field with our 8-year daughter who plays travel ball or in winter at the basketball gym. We love sports and being active!

If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life what would it be?
MEXICAN! We eat Mexican at least once a week if not more.

Do you have a favorite quote or "mission statement" in your personal life?
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.” – Mister Rogers.
I’ve always been taught that kindness goes so much farther than not. You never know what type of day someone is having and your kindness to them may be exactly what they need in any given moment. Being kind is not a weakness but it shows confidence in yourself and is a great strength.

I also live my life daily by Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I love that God gives us a promise that he has a plan for our lives no matter what our current situation is. It reminds me daily that he is in control of everything.

So thankful to have Katie leading our group!

New director of Mental Health Association: 'You are not alone' When Katie Gilliland’s family was dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, she didn’t know there were free resources available that could help them with everything from the latest Alzheimer’s research to adult

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Meeting tonight! Tuesday at our office!

Thanks to our friends at Barkley Bridge Elementary for CHALKing About Mental Health! We appreciate you and we had FUN doing this chalk event with you!

May is Mental Health Month!

Our event tonight is postponed to June 4 at 6pm. Mark your calendars!

NO Depression group meeting tonight or yoga in the park. We will meet 6/4 at 6pm at Wilson Morgan Park

May in Mental Health Month! We have an event tomorrow (Yoga in The Park with Jane Cross) this event is FREE and focuses on techniques to utilize with the focus on depression

Don't forget! Happening this Tuesday!